of the house and president obama seem no closer to a budget deal. as you know, if they don't come up with a spending compromise, most americans will see a hefty tax increase automatically on january 1. major garrett is covering for us at the white house tonight. major? h reporter: scott, two senior white house officials tell us the next 48 hours are crucial. until republicans relent on raising income tax rates for households earning more than $250,000, the democrats will not discuss g.o.p. demand for cuts medicaitlement programs like te house and medicaid. this white house photo of president obama talking yesterday to house speaker john boehner does not convey the 2%se and difficult reality. the g.o.p. leader told mr. obama he wanted to permanently extend all current tax rates, including reose for the two 2% of earners. > there were some offers that conversahanged back and forth yesterday, and the president and r:had a pretty frank conversation about just how far apart we are. >> reporter: we asked white hinge spokesman jay carney today uhere things